Individually Positionable Pump System

ABSTRACT

A pump system for use in an anal irrigation system is provided. The pump system may include a click-on mechanism or it may include a peristaltic pump. The pump system is individually positionable such that a user may decide on the optimum position of the pump system. The click-on mechanism may be provided integrated within the pump or it may be provided separate from but connected to the pump. The pump system may include a programmable pump such that it upon starting carries out a predetermined sequence. A method of providing a system for anal irrigation including an individually positionable pump is also provided. Furthermore, methods of using a pump including a click-on mechanism and a peristaltic pump are provided.

This invention relates to a pump system which may be positioned anywherealong a tube particularly for use in connection with an anal irrigationsystem. The pump system comprises attaching means and a pump and may beeither of a peristaltic type or of a type having means for cutting intothe tube that is pump system having a click-on mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Anal irrigation is one of a number of treatments used to aid people withbowel problems. People suffering from bowel problems are often paralyzedtypically due to spinal cord injuries and confined to a wheelchair orhospitalized. In these situations, often the peristaltic functions, i.e.the reflexes and muscles of the bowel cannot be stimulated correctly.This results in constipation or random discharge of bowel contents. Byusing anal irrigation a stimulation of the peristaltic movements of thecolon can be provided.

To perform such anal irrigation a device comprising an anal probe, alsocalled anal catheter or speculum, is provided. The anal probe isinserted into the rectum through the anus. The anal probe is typicallyretained in the rectum by retention means, most commonly a balloon,which is inflated against the wall of the rectum. A liquid, such aswater or a saline solution is then introduced into the rectum throughthe anal probe. The amount of liquid is generally below 1,5 liters,depending on the person. Prior to use, the liquid may be contained in aclosed reservoir from which the liquid is removed either by applyingair/gas to the reservoir by an air-tube thereby displacing the liquidthrough a water-tube or by sucking the liquid out of the reservoir. Apump may be used to supply the air or to provide for the suction. Whenthe necessary amount of liquid has been introduced into the rectum, theanal probe is removed followed by a discharge from the colon through therectum.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

WO9614888 discloses an excretion treatment apparatus composed of aninsertion tool to be inserted into the anus, an irrigation solution feedunit for feeding irrigation solution from an irrigation solution tank tothe insertion tool through an irrigation solution pump, and asuction/discharge unit for sucking broken and emulsified faeces to astorage vessel by a suction pump and discharging them. The suction pumpis a roller pump which can securely execute sucking operation withoutthe need of priming water even at a low flow rate and has no mechanicalparts in contact with the waste solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a pump system to be used in connection with asystem for anal irrigation. The pump system is not permanently attachedto the anal irrigation system but may be applied at any position alongthe tube—in other words it is individually positionable. The pump systemmay be a peristaltic pump system or an incising pump system adapted tocut into the tube. The pump system comprises attaching means and a pumpand may be used to pump either air or liquid. Furthermore, the systemmay be provided with a switch allowing the pump to be used to inflatethe balloon as well as provide for the displacement of liquid from thereservoir into the rectum. The pump may further be programmable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in a first aspect to a pump system for use inconnection with a system for performing anal irrigation, which pumpsystem comprises a pump adapted to provide for the liquid flow into therectum and which pump system comprises means for attaching the pumpsystem on a tube in the anal irrigation system such that it isindividually positionable.

A pump, which is not permanently attached, but attachable, is veryuseful for the user, as the position of the pump may be varied dependingon where the reservoir is placed in relation to the user. Furthermore,all the other parts of the system may be disposable and permanentlyattached to each other. By making the pump of the type, which isattached and detached to the system it is possible to use a moreadvanced and more expensive pump. This way the pump may e.g. beelectrical or even programmable so as to enable a simple use for userswith a poor dexterity or little strength in their hands. For use inhospitals, pumps used only by caregivers may be provided while theremaining parts may easily be disposed of.

An anal irrigation system comprises a probe adapted for inserting in therectum, which probe may comprise retention means in form of a cone or aballoon. Such a probe is well known in the art and will not be describedfurther. The system also comprises a tube, which is either permanentlyattached to the probe or attachable to the probe. The tube is connectedto a reservoir adapted for filling with irrigation liquid and again theconnection may be either permanent or detachable. The reservoir is inone embodiment a closed pressure-bag where the irrigation liquid isdisplaced upon supply of air into the bag. In another embodiment thereservoir may be a pressure-free bag from where the irrigation liquid issucked into the tube. The pump of this invention performs either thesupply of air or the suction of the liquid. The reservoir may include ascale enabling the user of the system to see how much liquid has beenpumped into the rectum.

The pump systems of this invention are individually positionable whichmeans that the pump system may be placed anywhere along the tubes inaccordance with the preferences of the user of the system. For example acaregiver may position the pump system on the floor near the liquidreservoir, which in most cases also may be placed on the floor and hencethe pump system is placed on the tube quite near the reservoir. If auser uses the anal irrigation system in private then the pump system maybe placed at a distance from the reservoir, as the reservoir may beplaced on the floor and the user may prefer to have the pump system in aposition near the lap, when the user is sitting on a toilet.

In an embodiment of the invention the pump may be an electric pump.Electric pumps are easy to use for people with poor dexterity in theirhands, as the user only has to push a button to start the pump. If theuser lacks strength in their hands it may be easier for them to operatean electric pump rather than squeezing a foil-pump.

In a related embodiment the pump may be programmable. The pump may bepre-programmed with a number of programmes or it may be programmedthrough an external keyboard or computer.

The electric pump may be provided with the following features:

-   -   a safety contact/safety device which has to be activated to        enable the pump to be started    -   a display showing the status of the pumping action    -   data entry for external programming (e.g. a port)    -   a plug for charging of batteries    -   a keyboard for programming    -   a signalling device (e.g. light or sound) for use as alerting        device or indicating device

Providing the pump with a safety contact or device prevents the user ofthe system from accidentally starting the pump. The display may providefor an overview of the programme-step currently running, which helps theuser keeping up with the sequence. For some uses it may be beneficiarythat the electric pump includes a data entry for external programming.Thereby the caregiver or user may programme the pump at another computerand just attach the data medium into the electrical pump. Theprogrammable part of the pump may then be omitted and the pump needsonly to be controllable. For private use, the pump is preferably runningon batteries included in the pump. This way the user need no access topower supply near the toilet. These batteries may be rechargeable by aplug, such that the pump may be connected to a power supply forrecharging the batteries. If the pump includes a programmable part thenthe pump may also include a keyboard for entering programme data. Akeyboard enables the user to directly program the pump. The user orcaregiver may then individually adapt the programme to the user untilthe optimum sequence for that particularly user has been found. Asignalling device may be included in the pump to enable indication offor example lack of liquid, pumping problems or maximum amount of waterand so forth.

The pump system may be provided with a click-on mechanism included inthe attaching means and in an embodiment the click-on mechanismcomprises at least one cannula adapted to cut into a tube of the analirrigation system. By providing a cannula in the attaching means, aneasy way of communication between the pump and the tube is obtained.Thus the air provided by the pump is led directly into the tube at thedesired point.

The click-on mechanism may comprise a hinge. A hinge may in an easy wayprovide for the attaching of the pump system as one part of the click-onmechanism may be pivoted with respect to the other part thereby definingan open position for the mechanism. In the open position the tube may beadmitted into the click-on mechanism. Subsequently, the mechanism isclosed around the tube by pivoting the one part with respect to theother part. In a related embodiment, the pump system further comprisesrecesses within the click-on mechanism for receiving the tube. Theserecesses would help preventing of cutting through the tube with thecannula as the click-on mechanism is attached to the tube.

In an embodiment the pump system further comprises means for locking theclick-on mechanism in a closed position, thereby preventing accidentallyopening of the click-on mechanism, which may lead to detachment of thetube from the pump. An embodiment relates to the click-on mechanismcomprising a snap mechanism. However, other types of means for lockingmay also be used, for example clasp closures or the like.

The pump system may comprise a switch for switching the pumping actionbetween pumping air into the balloon and pumping air into the reservoirto displace the irrigation liquid. Thereby only one pump system isneeded in the anal irrigation system. This provides for a system, whichis easy to use and fewer items are needed. The switch may be eitherautomatic or manual. An automatic switch detects when the pressure ishigh enough in the balloon and then switches to pump air into thereservoir. The automatic switch may comprise a valve structure, whichshifts from one position to the other as the pressure in the balloonexceeds a certain predetermined level. A manual switch may comprise alever mechanism. Furthermore, if the pump is electric and controllablethen it is possible to provide a pump system where the user need only topress the start button and then the pump automatically provides for thesequence including pumping air into the balloon.

In an embodiment the switch may be integrated in the click-on mechanismthereby providing for a compact structure of the pumping system.

This click-on mechanism may be an integrated part of the pump such thatthe click-on mechanism is placed within the pump. This provides a verycompact type of pump. In another embodiment the click-on mechanism isseparated but connected to the pump. If the click-on mechanism isseparated from the pump it may be easier to fit the switch into theclick-on mechanism. Furthermore, it may be difficult to provide anintegrated click-on mechanism on an electric pump. In such cases, it maybe easier to provide the click-on mechanism and then attach the pump asdesired by user needs etc. to a standard click-on mechanism. In anembodiment, the pump system comprises two separate pumps. Some users mayprefer two separate pumps—one for the balloon and one for the liquid.They may find such a pump easier to use as it is very well defined whathappens if the user uses one or the other pump.

A click-on mechanism may be used with a number of different tubes. Theonly demand for the material is that they should be able to bepenetrated by the cannulae on the click-on mechanism. The tube maycomprise a thermoplastic such as PVC (Poly-Vinylechlorid)/PP(Polypropylene)/PE (Polyethylene) or a thermoplastic elastomer like aStyrol-Block-Copolymere such as a PUR (Poly-Urethane) or a SEBS(Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene) compound or a cross-linked elastomerlike silicone or latex.

The pump may be a peristaltic pump where the liquid or air is movedalong the tube by applying pressure to the outside of the tube. Such apump comprises impellers placed around an axle, which may be turned byan electric motor. Using a crank handle may also turn the axle.

In an embodiment the peristaltic pump comprises a sliding drawer withmeans for receiving the tube. The drawer is in communication with theimpellers of the pump, such that when the drawer is closed it defines agap between the wall of the drawer and the impellers. The gap has a sizeadapted to receive a tube in a somewhat squeezed condition. The meansfor receiving the tube may be two recesses one on each side of thedrawer so the tube is placed with one end sticking out of one of therecesses and the other end sticking out of the other recess. The tube isnot secured in the longitudinal direction at the recesses hence the partof the tube between the recesses can be extended or shortened. When thepump is to be used the drawer is slid out and the tube is placedtransversely within the drawer. The drawer is then slid into closedposition again and the impellers are then able to imply the necessarypressure to the tube so as to perform the pumping action.

A peristaltic pump would be used to suck the liquid from the reservoirand pump it into the rectum. When using a peristaltic pump most commonlyanother pump would be used for pumping air into the balloon.

The tubes to be used with the peristaltic pump needs to have certainresilience such that they regain their volume after being squeezed.Tubes of silicone have this property and are suited for use with aperistaltic pump. Other materials suited for use may be PUR (PolyUrethane) or SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene).

To hold the pump system easily at least part of the system (for examplethe pump) may comprise a finger-grip.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of providing asystem for anal irrigation using an anal irrigation system comprising aclosed reservoir, a probe including an inflatable balloon, an air tubeand a water tube extending between the probe and the reservoir, whichmethod comprises the step of attaching a click-on mechanism included ina pump system to the air tube at a desired position such that at leastone cannula provided in the click-on mechanism penetrates the air tube.

This method provides for a very simple way of providing a system for usein anal irrigation. The reservoir, tubes and probe including theinflatable balloon may be combined to a single unit as the tubes may bepermanently attached to the reservoir and the probe respectively. Hence,the only steps that needs to be done by the user to provide for thefinished system are unwrapping of the unit-comprising reservoir, tubesand probe and attaching the pump to the air tube. As few steps aspossible are highly advantageous particularly for users having poordexterity but also for caregivers having a busy schedule.

In an embodiment the click-on mechanism comprises recess (es) for thetube(s) to be enclosed in the click-on mechanism. Thereby, the user isassisted in preventing penetrating the tube(s) enclosed completely inthe click-on mechanism.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method ofproviding a system for anal irrigation using an anal irrigation systemcomprising a closed reservoir, a probe including an inflatable balloon,an air tube attached to an air pump and a water tube extending betweenthe probe and the reservoir, which method comprises the step ofattaching a pump system including a peristaltic pump to the water tubeat a desired position by initially placing the water tube in a slidingdrawer on the pump and subsequently closing the sliding drawer toprovide contact between the impellers in the peristaltic pump and thewater tube.

The same advantages as mentioned above are obtained using thismethod—for example the user only needs to attach the pump to provide fora finished system, which is ready to use.

Embodiments of the methods relates to the systems comprising tube(s),reservoir and probe being disposable. Regardless of whether aperistaltic pump system or a click-on pump system is being used, theremaining parts of the system may be disposable. As the anal irrigationprocess has been carried out then the pump system may be detached andthe remaining parts disposed of. When a peristaltic pump is used the airpump providing for air to the balloon may be either disposable orre-useable. If the air pump is re-usable then it needs to be detachedprior to disposing of the remaining parts. If the air pump is disposablethen it may be disposed of together with the remaining parts of the analirrigation system.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method ofperforming anal irrigation by using an anal irrigation system comprisinga closed reservoir, a probe including an inflatable balloon, an air tubeand a water tube extending between the probe and the reservoir, wherethe system further comprises a pump system comprising attaching meansincluding a click-on mechanism having at least one cannula, which methodcomprises the steps of

-   -   Connecting the pump system to the air tube such that the at        least one cannula comprised in the click-on mechanism penetrates        the air tube.    -   Inserting the probe in the rectum    -   Pumping air into the balloon until the balloon is sufficiently        inflated    -   Pumping air into the reservoir so as to displace liquid        contained in the reservoir through the water tube and through        the probe into the rectum until a sufficient amount of liquid        has entered into the rectum    -   Deflating the balloon    -   Removing the probe from the rectum    -   Removing the pump from the tube    -   Awaiting emptying of faecal matter    -   Disposing of the reservoir, tubes and probe and keeping the pump

Such a method is easy to use and ready to use very quickly. The onlyinitial steps are placing the probe in the rectum and connecting thepump to the tubes—then the system is ready to use.

The balloon may be deflated by either removing or tearing a leaf on afoil-pump or by removing a cover covering a hole on the air tube betweenthe pump and the balloon.

In an embodiment the pump system comprises a switch for switchingpumping of air into the balloon and into the reservoir. The switch maybe automatic or manual as described earlier. A switch allows the samepump to be used to provide air to the balloon and the reservoir, therebysaving costs. It may also provide for a more compact pump system, whichis advantageous particularly for users having the pump in their lapduring the anal irrigation process.

In another embodiment the pump is electric and comprises a gauge formeasuring the amount of air passing through the pump. The gauge may bein the form of a calibration on the pump indication how much air ispumped per stroke or per time unit. The gauge may also be a gaugemeasuring the actual amount of air passing through it.

The pump may be programmable so as to automatically carry out apredefined program. A user that frequently uses anal irrigation mayexperience a preferred way of carrying out the irrigation process. Thenit would be advantageous to be able to programme this way into the pumpsystem, so the irrigation process is done the most preferred way everytime. Furthermore, caregivers may have a certain experience concerningthe optimum process, which they can programme into the pump system.Thereby errors will be reduced.

The switching between the airflow to the balloon and the reservoir maybe done automatically as result of a programme entered into the pump.This would provide an even more easy and safe way of carrying out theirrigation process, as the user (or caregiver) only needs to start thepump system and the steps of inflating the balloon and providing liquidinto the rectum is done automatically.

In an embodiment of the invention the pump is programmed to uponstarting automatically perform the following sequence:

-   -   Pumping of approx. 150 ml air into balloon    -   Switching the pump so as to provide air flow into the reservoir    -   Pumping of air corresponding to displacing approx. 200 ml liquid        from the reservoir    -   3-6 minute break    -   Pumping of air corresponding to displacing approx. 300 ml liquid        from the reservoir    -   3-6 minute break    -   Pumping of air corresponding to displacing the remaining approx.        300 ml liquid from the reservoir    -   3-6 minute break

Usually it is advantageous to perform the irrigation process in severalsteps thereby preventing accumulation of liquid in the intestines. Itvaries from person to person what amount of liquid is needed—typicallybelow 1 litre—and how long the break between the introducing of liquidshould be. In a typical situation it would be advantageous to introducethe liquid divided over 3 steps with a break of 3-6 minute between theintroductions.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method of performinganal irrigation by using a system comprising a closed reservoir, a probeincluding an inflatable balloon connected to an air tube which air tubeis connected to an air pump and a water tube extending between the probeand the reservoir, which method comprises the steps of

-   -   Connecting a peristaltic pump to the water tube    -   Pumping air into the balloon using the air pump until the        balloon is sufficiently inflated    -   Using the peristaltic pump to pumping liquid from the reservoir,        through the probe into the rectum until a sufficient amount of        liquid has entered into the rectum    -   Deflating the balloon    -   Removing the probe from the rectum    -   Removing the pump from the tube    -   Awaiting emptying of faecal matter    -   Disposing of the reservoir, tubes and probe and keeping the pump

Again this method is easy to use and ready to use very quickly. Theballoon may be deflated as described earlier.

The peristaltic pump used in this method may also be electric andcomprising a gauge for measuring the amount of water passing through thepump. Like with the click-on mechanism pump system mentioned above, thegauge may be in the form of a calibration on the pump indicating howmuch water is pumped per stroke or per time unit. The gauge may also bea gauge measuring the actual amount of water passing through it.

This pump may also be programmable so as to automatically control theamount of water entered in the rectum through the probe. The sameadvantages as mentioned earlier are obtained by using a programmablepump.

In an embodiment the pump is programmed to upon starting automaticallyperform the following sequence:

-   -   Pumping approximately 200 ml liquid from the reservoir    -   3-6 minute break    -   Pumping approx. 300 ml liquid from the reservoir    -   3-6 minute break    -   Pumping the remaining approx. 300 ml liquid from the reservoir    -   3-6 minute break

Like before this is typical sequence, which would help in preventingaccumulation of liquid in the intestines. This differs from theabovementioned sequence in that when using a peristaltic pump typicallyanother air pump is used for inflating the balloon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for anal irrigation

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a pump system having an integratedclick-on mechanism

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a pump system having a separate butconnected click-on mechanism

FIG. 4 illustrates a foil-pump making out a part of the pump system ofFIG. 3

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a pump system having a separate butconnected click-on mechanism—in this embodiment the pump is an electricpump

FIG. 6 illustrates a switch, which may be used in connection with thepump systems of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In FIG. 1 a system for performing anal irrigation is illustrated. Thesystem comprises a pump 1 according to the invention positioned on adouble lumen tube 2, 3 which constitute the liquid tube 2 and the airtube 3. The tubes are connected to the reservoir 4 and in the other endto a probe 5 having an inflatable balloon 6 attached to it. In thisembodiment the pump comprises a switch 7 enabling it to be used forinflating the balloon as well as for pumping air into the reservoir tothereby displace the liquid from the reservoir. Example of a switch isshown in more detail in FIG. 6. When the system is to be used the pump 1is attached to the air tube 3 (in case of a double lumen tube—to bothtubes) and the switch 7 is positioned such that the air pumped into thetube enters the inflatable balloon 6. The user starts pumping and theballoon is inflated. When the balloon is sufficiently inflated, theswitch is positioned in another position such that air pumped into thetube 3 enters the reservoir 4. As the pressure increases in thereservoir 4 the liquid contained in the reservoir is displaced throughthe tube 2 through the pump 1 and into and through the probe into therectum. When a sufficient amount of liquid has been pumped into therectum, the switch 7 is positioned so as to allow deflating of theballoon 6. Finally the probe 5 is removed and the pump is detached fromthe system. The reservoir, tubes and probe including balloon may bedisposed of and the pump saved for reuse.

In FIG. 2 a pump system 100 according to the invention is shown. Thesefigures illustrate a pump system having the click-on mechanism 101integrated in the pump 102. FIGS. 2 a-2 c illustrates the pump system ina perspective view and FIGS. 2 d-2 f illustrates a cross-section throughthe pump. In FIGS. 2 a and 2 b the click-on mechanism of the pump systemis shown in an open position ready for receiving a tube. In FIG. 2 c theclick-on mechanism of the pump system is shown in a closed positionready for performing the pumping action. The pump 102 is made as a bulbshaped element comprising two parts 102 a, 102 b, which are partlyintegral with each other. The two parts are also joined by ahinge-element 103, such that one part is pivotable with respect to theother thereby defining an open position and a closed position. In theclosed position the two parts are in contact with each other alongcontact surfaces 104, 105 in which depressions 106, 107, 108, 109 aremade. These contact surfaces 104, 105 define the click-on mechanism ofthe pump enabling the pump to be individually positioned. The two largerdepressions 106, 108 are adapted to receive a liquid tube 110 and thetwo smaller depressions 107, 109 are adapted to receive an air- or gastube 111. In the embodiment shown the two tubes 110, 111 are shown as anintegral element having two lumens but the two tubes may also beseparate in which case the pump needs only one set of depressions forthe air- or gas tube 111. At least one of the smaller depression 107,109 comprises at least one cannula 112 with a cutting edge for incisinginto the air-tube 111. Both depressions may have cannulae for performingthe incision. One of the contact surfaces 105 further comprises a snapprojection 113 for cooperating with a snap indentation 114 in the othercontact surface. This enables locking of the two parts together suchthat intimate contact between the cannula (e) 112 and the air-tube 111is ensured. Surrounding the contact surfaces 104, 105 is resilient opencelled foam 115 enclosed in a foil 116 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 d-2 f.The foam and the foil constitute together with the contact surfaces afoil-pump. The foil-element may be a plastic foil made of athermoplastic elastomer like Styrol-Block-Copolymere such as SEBS(Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene) or PUR (Polyurethane) or athermoplastic material like PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene) andPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). FIG. 2 d illustrates a cross-section of thepump system 100 in the open position with the double lumen tube 110, 111positioned in the depressions 106, 107. FIG. 2 e illustrates the pumpsystem 100 in a position just prior to completely closing, where thecannula 112 is ready to penetrate the air-tube 111. FIG. 2 f illustratesthe pump system 100 in a completely closed position. By compressing foam115 at least a part of the gas contained in the foam 115 is displacedinto the air tube 111 through the air channel 117 and through thecannula 112. In order to allow the foam to expand and be refilled withair the foam 115 may define a plurality of openings (not shown), whichduring compression are covered by the hand of the user compressing thefoam, but which when the hand is removed allows the foam to be refilled.Moreover, the positionable pump system 100 may comprise a non-returnvalve preventing air to be sucked out of the gas tube 111 when the userremoves his hand. An automatic or a manual switch as illustrated in FIG.6 may be integrated in the pump system.

In FIG. 3 another pump system 200 according to the invention isillustrated. In this embodiment the foil-pump 202 is separated from theclick-on mechanism 201 such that the foil-pump 202 is placed next to theclick-on mechanism 201 as opposed to surrounding it. An embodiment ofthe foil-pump 202 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The click-on mechanism 201corresponds largely to the click-on mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2 andis best illustrated in the side views in FIGS. 3 c and 3 d. The samereference numbers are used for same elements as in FIG. 2 except for theprefix 2 instead of 1, such that e.g. the hinge has reference number203. In FIG. 3 a an embodiment having a switchable pump system used forpumping air into the balloon as well as into the reservoir. In thisembodiment the click-on mechanism has two cannulae (not shown)—one forcutting through the part of the air tube leading to the reservoir 211 aand one for cutting through the part of the tube leading to the balloon211 b, so as to fluidly connect the pump 200 to these parts of thetubes. Moreover, as the air tube 211 is defined as one integrated tube,the pump 200 comprises means (not shown) for preventing fluid connectionbetween the two parts of the tube 211 a, 211 b. Such means arepositioned between the two cannulae. The cannulae correspond to the onedescribed in relation to FIG. 2. The switchable pump system 200comprises a switch 220 (FIGS. 3 a and 3 d) allowing the user to changebetween inflation of the reservoir and the balloon. The switch 220 ischangeable between a first position wherein the switchable pump system200 is in fluid connection with the reservoir and a second positionwherein the switchable pump system 200 is in fluid connection with theinflatable balloon. When switch 220 is positioned in the first positionthe switch 220 is adapted to prevent deflation of the inflatable balloonand when positioned in the second position the switch 220 is adapted toprevent deflation of the reservoir. FIG. 3 b illustrates an embodimentvery like the one in FIG. 3 a except that the pump system of FIG. 3 bcomprises two pumps 202 a and 202 b—one 202 a for pumping air into thereservoir and one 202 b for pumping air into the balloon. The click-onmechanism is equal to the one used in the embodiment of FIG. 3 a (andillustrated in detail in FIGS. 3 c and 3 d) except this click-onmechanism comprises means for squeezing or pinching off the air tubebetween the two pumps. The switch is schematically illustrated at 220.The switch may be made as illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the aforementioned foil pump 202,having a gas inlet 240 comprising a non-return valve (not shown) whichmay be manufactured in the same way as the non-return valves disclosedin WO2005/048890 i.e. only allowing air into the foil pump 201 andpreventing air from escaping the foil pump 201 through the gas inlet240. Moreover, the foil pump 201 defines a gas outlet 241. The foil pump201 comprises an open-celled foam 215 visible in FIG. 4 b, which issurrounded by a foil 216. The foil pump 202 comprises a pump leaf 242which when torn off enables the user to deflate the reservoir afterirrigation and in order to discretely dispose the system in a bin or areservoir.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pump system 300 according to the invention, whichis very like the pump system illustrates in FIG. 3. The only differencebetween the two pump systems is that the pump 302 in FIG. 5 is anelectric pump. The same reference numbers are used for same elementsexcept for the prefix 3 such that e.g. the recesses are numbered306-309. The embodiment will not be discussed further.

FIG. 6 illustrates a manual switch 220 which may be used in the pumpsystems of this invention. The switch 220 comprises a lever mechanism221 consisting of a lever 222 comprising an element 223 in each end. Thelever 222 is attached to a bearer 224. Included in the bearer is anair-channel as indicated at 226. The elements 223 are adapted to in turnsqueeze off the tube 211—hence they are made as elements having arounded surface towards the tube 211. The air-channel 226 terminates ina cannula (not shown—e.g. like the one used in the click-on mechanism)and provides the air into the tube and the position of the squeezingelements 223 determines which way the air travels. The switch maycomprise a handle 225 to move the switch from one position to the other.

1. A pump system for use in connection with a system for performing anal irrigation, which pump system comprises a pump adapted to provide for the liquid flow into the rectum and which pump system comprises means for attaching the pump system on a tube in the anal irrigation system such that it is individually positionable.
 2. A pump system according to claim 1 wherein the pump is electric.
 3. A pump system according to claim 2 wherein the electric pump is programmable.
 4. A pump system according to claim 2 wherein the electric pump further comprises a safety contact/safety device which has to be activated to enable the pump to be started.
 5. A pump system according to claim 1 wherein the electric pump further comprises a display showing the status of a pumping action,
 6. A pump system according to claim 2 wherein the electric pump further comprises data entry for external programming.
 7. A pump system according to claim 2 wherein the electric pump further comprises a plug for charging of batteries.
 8. A pump system according to claim 3 wherein the electric pump further comprises a keyboard for programming.
 9. A pump system according to claim 2 wherein the electric pump further comprises a signalling device.
 10. A pump system according to claim 2 wherein the pump system comprises attaching means including a click-on mechanism.
 11. A pump system according to claim 10 wherein the click-on mechanism comprises at least one cannula adapted to cut into a tube of the anal irrigation system.
 12. A pump system according to claim 10 wherein the click-on mechanism comprises a hinge.
 13. A pump system according to claim 10 further comprising recesses within the click-on mechanism for receiving the tube.
 14. A pump system according to claim 10 further comprising means for locking the click-on mechanism in a closed position.
 15. A pump system according to claims 14 wherein the means for locking the click-on mechanism comprises a snap mechanism.
 16. A pump system according to claim 10 wherein the pump system comprises a switch.
 17. A pump system according to claim 16 wherein the switch is automatic.
 18. A pump system according to claim 16 wherein the switch is integrated in the click-on mechanism.
 19. A pump system according to claim 10 wherein the click-on mechanism is integrated in the pump.
 20. A pump system according to claim 10 wherein the click-on mechanism is separated but connected to the pump.
 21. A pump system according to claim 20 wherein the system comprises two separate pumps.
 22. A pump system according to claim 1 wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump comprising a sliding drawer with means for receiving the tube.
 23. A pump according to claim 1 further comprising a finger-grip.
 24. A method of providing a system for anal irrigation using an anal irrigation system comprising a closed reservoir, a probe including an inflatable balloon, an air tube and a water tube extending between the probe and the reservoir, which method comprises attaching a click-on mechanism included in a pump system to the air tube at a desired position such that at least one cannula provided in the click-on mechanism penetrates the air tube.
 25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the click-on mechanism comprises one or more recesses for one or more of the tubes to be enclosed in the click-on mechanism.
 26. A method of providing a system for anal irrigation using an anal irrigation system comprising a closed reservoir, a probe including an inflatable balloon, an air tube attached to an air pump and a water tube extending between the probe and the reservoir, which method comprises attaching a pump system including a peristaltic pump to the water tube at a desired position by initially placing the water tube in a sliding drawer on the pump and subsequently closing the sliding drawer to provide contact between the impellers in the peristaltic pump and the water tube.
 27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the system comprising one or more of the tubes, the reservoir and the probe is disposable.
 28. A method according to claim 26 wherein the air pump is disposable.
 29. A method of performing anal irrigation by using an anal irrigation system comprising a closed reservoir, a probe including an inflatable balloon, an air tube and a water tube extending between the probe and the reservoir, where the system further comprises a pump system comprising attaching means including a click-on mechanism having at least one cannula, the method comprising: connecting the pump system to the air tube such that the at least one cannula comprised in the click-on mechanism penetrates the air tube; inserting the probe in the rectum; pumping air into the balloon until the balloon is sufficiently inflated; pumping air into the reservoir so as to displace liquid contained in the reservoir through the water tube and through the probe into the rectum until a sufficient amount of liquid has entered into the rectum; deflating the balloon; removing the probe from the rectum; removing the pump from the tube; awaiting emptying of faecal matter, and disposing of the reservoir, tubes and probe and keeping the pump.
 30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the pump system comprises a switch for switching pumping of air into the balloon and into the reservoir.
 31. A method according to claim 29 wherein the pump is electric and comprises a gauge for measuring the amount of air passing through the pump.
 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the pump is programmable so as to automatically carry out a predefined program.
 33. A method according to claim 30 wherein the switching between the airflow to the balloon and the reservoir is done automatically as result of a programme entered into the pump.
 34. A method according to claim 33 wherein the pump is programmed to upon starting automatically perform the following sequence: pumping approximately 150 ml air into balloon; switching the pump so as to provide air flow into the reservoir; pumping of air corresponding to displacing approximately 200 ml liquid from the reservoir; pausing for 3-6 minutes; pumping of air corresponding to displacing approximately 300 ml liquid from the reservoir; pausing for 3-6 minutes; pumping of air corresponding to displacing the remaining approximately 300 ml liquid from the reservoir; and pausing for 3-6 minutes.
 35. A method of performing anal irrigation by using a system comprising a closed reservoir, a probe including an inflatable balloon connected to an air tube which air tube is connected to an air pump and a water tube extending between the probe and the reservoir, the method comprising: connecting a peristaltic pump to the water tube; pumping air into the balloon using the air pump until the balloon is sufficiently inflated; pumping liquid from the reservoir with the peristaltic pump, through the probe into the rectum until a sufficient amount of liquid has entered into the rectum; deflating the balloon; removing the probe from the rectum; removing the pump from the tube; awaiting emptying of faecal matter; disposing of the reservoir, tubes and probe and keeping the pump.
 36. A method according to claim 35 wherein the pump is electric and comprises a gauge for measuring the amount of water passing through the pump
 37. A method according to claim 36, where the pump is programmable so as to automatically control the amount of water entered in the rectum through the probe.
 38. A method according to claim 37 wherein the pump is programmed to upon starting automatically perform the following sequence: pumping approximately 200 ml liquid from the reservoir; pausing for 3-6 minutes; pumping approximately 300 ml liquid from the reservoir; pausing for 3-6 minutes; pumping the remaining approximately 300 ml liquid from the reservoir; and pausing for 3-6 minutes. 